Chrysler announced its sixth recall over the last two weeks on Thursday. The most recent involved a software glitch on over 1,200 Ram pickup trucks from the 2013 model year. 

The recall campaign is being issued to ensure that the affected Ram 2500 and 3500 trucks comply with headlight regulations while in high-beam mode. During an internal investigation, Chrysler engineers discovered that some vehicles fail to comply with government standards for aim and intensity.

A software update will be able to solve the problem, which occurs in trucks equipped with premium headlights. Roughly 1,100 are in the U.S., 170 in Canada and 15 outside North America, the company said.

Chrysler also announced a recall this week affecting its Ram 4500 and 5500 trucks from the 2012 model year. In that case, the issue affected the front axle in approximately 6,900 units.

The company also said this week that is will recall 37,000 of its Ram 1500, 2500 and 3500 trucks for software changes to fix a tail-lamp warning light.

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Chrysler is issuing a recall for 6,900 Ram pickup trucks from the 2012 model year for an issue with the front axle.

The recall affects 5,600 Ram 4500 and 5500 pickups in the U.S. and another 1,300 in Canada. On those affected vehicles, part of the front axle could fracture, causing them to lose power. The automaker announced the recall stating that the front prop shaft, which connects the engine to the axle, can bind or fracture.

Two reports of damage have been received by the American automaker, which investigated the issue. No accidents or injuries related to the defect have been reported. The American automaker will begin notifying owners of the affected trucks and will replace or repair the front axles for free.

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There was a time when the term “luxury pickup truck” seemed like an oxymoron, but premium pickups are in high demand these days.

Which is why Ram CEO Reid Bigland isn’t hesitant to say that the American automaker isn’t quite sold that the Laramie Longhorn is the ceiling for the market. Priced at over $50,000 for a well-equipped model, the Laramie Longhorn Edition Ram pickup might not be the most expensive pickup Ram has to offer for long.

According to Bigland, Ram 1500 crew cab sales were up 63 percent in May and Bigland isn’t even sure “where the ceiling is on the premium pickup truck.”

Unfortunately he didn’t go into details on what a super-premium pickup truck would entail, but did mention that the automaker would have to be careful that the additional options weren’t just “frivolous.” Regardless, other automakers have seen a growth in the premium truck market and has reaped the benefits by outfitting their models with luxurious interiors and flashy exterior accessories.

In addition, the Ram brand is looking to expand into the commercial truck market. The American automaker will be importing the smaller Fiat Doblo to compete with the Ford Transit Connect, while the Fiat Ducato-based ProMaster launches within the next three months.

[Source: Automobile]

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Ram and Warner Bros. have collaborated to build a Superman-themed Ram 2500 Power Wagon promoting the upcoming Superman movie.

The truck will eventually be auctioned for charity, but not before people have a chance to look at it. On June 10 it will make a public debut in New York City before touring to a series of events including the State Fair of Texas. A familiar 5.7-liter Hemi V8 sits under the hood to offer 383 hp and 400 lb-ft of torque, but it’s the cosmetic changes that will get your attention.

A gray and black two-tone coat of paint covers the sheet metal, while red grille inserts and a Superman logo accent the front. It gets high profile off-road tires and 17-inch black aluminum wheels as well.

Cabin changes include a black interior with red accents to match the exterior color scheme. Superman emblems are stitched into the seats and “Man of Steel,” the name of the new movie, is written on the glove box.

The 2014 Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra are getting ready for their market launch but General Motors isn’t stopping to catch its breath just yet.

The American automaker is finding it harder to ignore the market that the Ford F-150 SVT Raptor has in a way created, and is mulling over the idea of building its own competitor with its new Silverado/Sierra. The enthusiast pickup market will be tough for Chevy to ignore and it could take two approaches in developing a rival: focus on off-road capability, or create a more performance-oriented variant similar to the 454 SS and GMC Syclone.

SEE ALSO: 2014 Chevrolet Silverado Review – Video

As for the future of the new lineup, GM is exploring new methods of hybridization according to chief engineer Jeff Luke, perhaps hinting at a brake-energy regeneration system. The automaker confirmed there won’t be a follow up to its two-mode hybrid Silverado and Sierra. As for diesel offerings in the half-ton-truck segment, GM has no plans and will continue to simply offer diesel powerplants in its heavy-duty trucks that are currently being redesigned.

[Source: Car and Driver]

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The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has opened a preliminary investigation on 2011-2013 model year Ford F-150 pickups for reported acceleration issues.

A total of 400,000 F-150s are under investigation after NHTSA has received 95 reports of incidents of reduced engine power under hard acceleration. The affected F-150s under investigation are equipped with the American automaker’s 3.5-liter, turbocharged engine.

Ford has already issued three technical service bulletins related to intermittent stumble and misfire on acceleration from highway cruise in humid or damp conditions for its 2011-2012 Ford F-150s equipped with the 3.5-liter GTDI engine. One-third of the reports NHTSA received were in humid or rainy conditions.

No crashes or accidents have been reported related to the issue.

Discuss this story at FordForums.com

Each week, we recap the most popular videos from AutoGuide‘s YouTube channel just in case all seven days passed you by and you missed out. This past week, AutoGuide had a little fun putting two hot hatches in a shootout – the Ford Focus ST and the Mazdaspeed3. Which one prevailed?

2013 Ford Focus ST vs 2013 Mazdaspeed3

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2013 Ford Fusion vs 2014 Mazda6

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2014 Chevrolet Silverado Review

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GMC debuted the standard cab version of its 2014 Sierra pickup today in a press release about the truck’s aerodynamics.

In it, GMC says the 2014 Sierra spent more time in a wind tunnel than any of its predecessors. The tunnel, which is 750 feet long, generates winds up to 138 mph. The release shows photos of what looks like a higher trim version of the standard cab sierra.

Aside from unveiling the standard cab, GMC also discussed some of the changes it made to improve the aerodynamics of its truck. For example, there is a new sealant between the cab and bed, which GM aerodynamics performance engineer Diane Bloch explained, saying “the most harmful air between the cab and bed was coming over the cab and down through the gap, so we paid the most attention to that specific area.” Now the truck uses new sealing to address the issue.

SEE ALSO: 2014 Chevrolet Silverado Review

During the testing, GMC also looked at tailgate positions and how they affect efficiency. It turns out that having the gate raised is the most efficient because air flows over the cab and pushes forward against the back of the truck. Lowering the tailgate eliminates that benefit, and installing an aftermarket net actually makes more drag.

Discuss this story at GMInsidenews.com

Originally revealed in February, RAM has announced that production on the RAM 1500 Diesel will begin September 2013.

The diesel powerplant is sourced from VM Motori and is much lighter than the Cummins six-cylinder currently found in heavy-duty RAM pickups. The 3.0-liter V6 diesel powerplant will be paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and should be rated at 240 hp and 420 lb-ft of torque. The American automaker hasn’t announced final specifications yet.

SEE ALSO: RAM 1500 Becomes Industry-First Half-Ton Diesel Pickup

The diesel RAM 1500 is also expected to offer best-in-class fuel economy, which means it’ll be at least 18 mpg in the city and 25 mpg on the highway. If production does get under way in September, dealerships should expect the RAM 1500 Diesel in October.

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Strategic Vision has announced the winners of its 2013 Total Quality Index (TQI), with American automakers reinstating their position in some very competitive segments.

Measuring quality since 1994, Strategic Vision not only factors in counting problems but includes multiple aspects of influence and perception that customers use as a base for their purchasing decisions. This year’s Total Quality Index was calculated from 17,568 buyers who purchased 2013 model year vehicles from September to November 2012.

Topping the charts regardless of category was the Chevrolet Corvette Convertible with a TQI score of 959, while the Porsche Boxster was not far behind with 957. Both vehicles were in the Premium Convertible/Roadster category. Scoring a 955 was the Lexus LS which dominated the Luxury Car category.

Surprising winners include the Kia Soul (868) in the Small Multi-Function category, while the new Dodge Dart scored an 884 to claim the Small Car category. American automakers also took over the Mid-Size Car category with the Ford Fusion scoring a 908 and the Chevrolet Volt notching a 907.

Here are the winners of their respective categories:

Small Car: Dodge Dart (884)

Small Multi-Function: Kia Soul (868)

Mid-Size Car: Ford Fusion (908), Chevrolet Volt (907)

Mid-Size Multi-Function: Honda Accord Crosstour (877)

Large Car: Volkswagen CC (920)

Near-Luxury Car: Hyundai Genesis Sedan (922), Audi A4 Sedan (921)

Luxury Car: Lexus LS (955)

Specialty Coupe: MINI Cooper Hardtop (913)

Premium Coupe: Chevrolet Corvette Coupe (931)

Convertibles: Chrysler 200 Convertible (917)

Premium Convertible/Roadster: Chevrolet Corvette Convertible (959), Porsche Boxster (957)

Minivan: Chrysler Town & Country (850)

Entry Utility: Volkswagen Tiguan (885), Toyota FJ Cruiser (883)

Mid-Size Crossover Utility: Chevrolet Traverse (900)

Mid-Size Traditional Utilit: Dodge Durango (881)

Large Utility: GMC Yukon (893)

Near-Luxury Utility: Buick Enclave (928)

Luxury Utility: Porsche Cayenne (948)

Standard Pickup: Toyota Tacoma (847)

Full-Size Pickup: Chevrolet Avalanche (896)

Heavy-Duty Pickup: Ford F-250/350 (892)

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Automakers are always looking for an edge over the competition. Any spec-sheet advantage, no matter how insignificant, is fair game. Engine output is often something they brag about. One vehicle may have more horsepower but a competing car could offer more torque. What’s the difference between these two measurements? What do they mean? Surprisingly these terms are totally different but related.

Some vehicles are built to extremes; the dearly departed Honda S2000 sports car, which went out of production a few years ago, is a perfect example. Like the blade of a samurai sword this open-air two-door was sharp and purposeful.

Early models were powered by a screaming 2.0-liter four-cylinder that put out a monstrous 240 horsepower. What made that figure so jaw-dropping is that the engine did it without any assistance; there was no turbo or supercharger to be found under the hood. It was more natural than a flock of unkempt vegan hippies nakedly prancing around the forest during a rainstorm; it just revved and revved, topping out at 9000 RPM. Of course this extreme engine strategy came at a price. There were only 153 lb-ft of torque to play with, barely more than a tricycle-riding grandmother could provide.

Honda’s S2000 was the automotive equivalent of a hummingbird; always buzzing at redline, howling like a banshee. At the opposite end of the spectrum is the Ram 3500 pickup truck. Buyers can opt for a 6.7-liter Cummins diesel that puts out 350 horsepower with up to 660 lb-ft of torque. That’s enough twisting force to power an industrial revolution.

THE ORIGINS OF HORSEPOWER

Speaking of that pivotal moment in history, one man played a huge role in helping develop the world we live in today. Scottish inventor James Watt can be credited with kick-starting the industrial revolution in the second-half of the 1700s. He vastly improved the steam engine, which made it both more efficient and effective. He also invented something else.

Alan Falkowski, a Chief Engineer at Chrysler and someone who’s worked on a number of different engine programs over the years including the late-model Hemi and Pentastar V6 said Watt came up with an important term we use every day: horsepower.

“Essentially he wanted to have an equivalent term his customers could relate to,” said Falkowski. The expression was designed to make the nebulous idea of work relevant and easily understood. For example “I’ve got a steam engine that will do the work of two horses,” Falkowski said; that’s a lot easier to wrap your 18^th-century head around than saying it delivers 66,000 pound-feet (lb-ft) per minute. Because really, what the heck does that mean anyway?

USE THE FORCE!

Good question. “Torque is kind of like a force,” said Steve Russ, Technical Leader with Ford Motor Company Engine Engineering. “Now power is essentially the rate at which we’re able to do that amount of work,” he said.

Falkowski gave a great example of this. If a person walks up 10 steps they’ve done a certain amount of work, but “The rate at which [they move] is power,” he said. Running up a flight of stairs in five seconds opposed to 10 seconds takes twice as much power. In other words, “The ability to do work quickly is power,” he said.

Another example of torque is trying to slide a piece of furniture across carpeting. If someone is pushing on a couch as hard as they can and it doesn’t move they’re applying a certain force.  If they can slide the couch slowly across the rug they’ve done work; doing it faster takes more power.

PONY EXPRESS

Horsepower and torque are related because “Horsepower is derived from torque,” Russ said. “In an engine the torque that we measure is the function of engine RPM.”

“The power that the engine produces is the torque times the engine speed,” Falkowski said. The formula for calculating horsepower is fairly simple. It’s the lb-ft of torque provided multiplied by the RPM (revolutions per minute) it’s delivered at, divided by 5,252. If an engine puts out 100 lb-ft of torque at 1,000 RPM it has about 19 horsepower.

The difference between power and force is also fairly simple. “You need low-speed torque if you’re towing [or] driving up a hill,” but, “For fast zero-to-60 times you need you need high peak power,” Russ said.

Generally diesels can’t zip from zero to 60 very quickly because they can’t rev as high as gasoline engines, but, “They can tow massive amounts,” Russ said. He also added that peak power directly relates to zero-to-60 times.

“[For] faster acceleration go with what produces the highest peak power,” Falkowski said, noting that “It’s always power at any given instance that is going to accelerate the vehicle.”

This is why the Honda S2000 can rip from zero to 60 miles an hour in about six seconds and why the Ram 3500 can tow in excess of 18,000 pounds when properly equipped. That’s the stark difference between horsepower and torque.

Transmissions help maximize an engine’s output. The various gears inside them are designed to multiply torque at different speeds. Tractor trailers for instance are powered by large diesel engines that deliver mountains of torque but, “Those things don’t have thousands of horsepower,” Falkowski said. Making up for that, and allowing them to tow huge and heavy trailers, they’re equipped with a dozen or more gears.

So, horsepower and torque are directly related. Horsepower is derived from the torque an engine delivers and is a function of RPM. Torque is essentially a force and power is the ability to do work; doing the same amount of work in a shorter amount of time takes more power. A car that can zip from a standstill to a mile a minute in just three seconds needs a lot more power than one that accomplishes the same task in 13 seconds.

Each week, we recap the most popular videos from AutoGuide‘s YouTube channel just in case all seven days passed you by and you missed out. This week, AutoGuide travelled out to Texas to check out and review the 2014 Chevrolet Silverado.

2014 Chevrolet Silverado Review

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2013 Ford Fusion vs 2014 Mazda6

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2013 Ford Mustang Boss 302 vs. 2013 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution MR

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